Zeiss Introduces New Digital Microscope Cameras

Carl Zeiss Meditec (Jena, Germany) has released two new digital microscope cameras that complement their current portfolio of high-speed USB 3.0 microscope cameras.

The Zeiss Axiocam 702 mono digital camera is supplied with a scientific-grade complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor that provides users with a low read noise, an excellent low light sensitivity, and high speed photography capabilities for live cell imaging and acquisition of rapidly unfolding processes. The 13.3 mm diagonal sensor provides a monochromatic resolution of 2.3 megapixels, making it an attractive entry into the world of scientific CMOS imaging.

The Zeiss Axiocam 512 color digital camera allows acquisition of large sample areas in high resolution and in true color. The 12 megapixel, 16 mm diagonal charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor delivers an excellent live image and high acquisition speed. The Zeiss Axiocam 512 color camera, in combination with low magnification and zoom objectives, also offers optimal resolution for capturing large specimens without stitching. These cameras, as well as the already introduced ZEISS Axiocam 503 and ZEISS Axiocam 506 cameras, feature high-speed USB 3.0 connections and active thermoelectric cooling.

“Due to an enormous technological progress in CMOS sensor technology Zeiss is now able to offer a very fast and sensitive camera for distortion-free live cell imaging,” said Markus Cappellaro, product manager of digital camera systems at Carl Zeiss Meditec. “Zeiss Axiocam 702 mono with its low read noise, high dynamic range and global shutter technology really pushes the envelope; and with Zeiss Axiocam 512 color, we fulfill the need for high resolution microscopy when acquiring large fields of view, for example in materials research and stained histology samples.”

CCD and CMOS image sensors are responsible for converting light into electronic signals. The biggest difference between the two is that CCD sensors, since they are more sensitive to light, create high quality images with low noise, while CMOS sensors need more light to create a low noise image at proper exposure. But CMOS sensors are cheaper to manufacture and are developing rapidly, and will soon match CCD in terms of resolution and overall quality.

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